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Dougie's Raw & Natural Dog Food

Introducing your dog to raw food can be a big change for them, therefore it is important to make the switch properly and ensure you are educated about raw feeding before making the transition. However, we understand there is a lot of information out there, so it can be hard to navigate what product is best for your dog.

At Dougie’s, we have over 20 years’ experience in the supply of ingredients and services to the Pet Food Industry. Our frozen blocks make the process of raw feeding easy and convenient, which can help make the switch to a raw food diet a smooth transition.

All dogs, young and old, can benefit from a raw diet, with lots of benefits such as cleaner teeth, better digestion, a softer shiner coat, and fewer vet visits!

Introducing a puppy to a raw food diet can be a much simpler process than with an older dog, as they are much more adaptable. The process of introduction is a similar process to introducing adult dogs, however the amount you feed and the frequency will alter. As they need to be fed around three times a day until six months old.

Getting started

There are no hard and fast rules about switching to raw.

A rapid switch is the most straightforward approach, and you simply stop the old food and start the Raw for your dog’s next meal.

However, if you wish to add raw in increasing amounts, whilst decreasing the old food over 3 -5 days, that’s fine too. We do recommend that you don’t feed dry and raw in the same meal. Dry food digests at a different speed than raw, which can lead to upset tummies.

The most important thing is that you have chosen to make the switch, and whether you do this right away or over a few days, you are starting on the road to seeing the benefits of a natural diet.

For puppies, we recommend you do a straight swap rather than a gradual introduction with a combination of the previous food. The difference in digestive enzymes and PH in the mix of food can upset their stomach.

How much to feed your pup should also be around 2-3% of your puppy’s predicted adult weight. If you’re not sure what that will be, feed up to 10% of his current weight, depending on his age. Our helpful team are also on hand to advise the best way to split the Dougie’s portions up for your pup.

Making the switch

We recommend feeding adult dogs twice a day, splitting their daily allowance equally over morning and evening meals. The recommended amount per day for an adult is 2% – 3%, but you will need to monitor their weight and consider their age and activity levels. A dog that spends a lot of time outside may need a higher percentage.

If you have a working dog, we recommend feeding 3% – 6% when working, reducing this amount to 2% – 3% when not.

Puppies, depending on their age, will need anywhere between 4-10% of their body weight spread across 3-4 Meals with a view to gradually reducing their feed to meet the 2-3% and 2 daily meals target when they reach adult age (12 months)

Feeding guide

It is important to feed a variety of different proteins, as each protein has different nutritional values.

For Adult Dogs, feeding the secreting organs are an important component to provide essential nutrients. Dougie’s 80/10/10 and 80/20 with Veg range has done the hard work for you and provides the balance of 80% meat 10% Bone 5% liver, and 5% another secreting organ. If you are doing your own recipes, it is recommended that overall, you feed 5% liver and 5% other secreting organ which could be the kidney, spleen and testicle.

Raw bones can be fed up to 2-3 times a week to promote dental hygiene and provide a naturally satisfying chew session for your pet. Some bones may last longer than others, and some may be too hard for young dogs or older dogs with weaker teeth. So, make sure you choose the most appropriate bone or chew for your dog. Meaty Bones such as wings and necks, can also be fed alongside meals to introduce bone content to a meal.

We do not advise feeding your pet cooked bones as they can splinter and cause serious harm. Always ensure your pets are supervised while eating bones.

There is a big debate in raw feeding – Fruit and Veg – to add or not to add, that is the question! The addition of fruit and veg can provide essential nutrients and minerals. We advise that whatever you feed needs to be pulverised or crushed so your dog can digest them. You can feed a rainbow of fruit and veg, including broccoli, spinach, carrots, blackberries, and cranberries.

Do not feed your dog onions, grapes, raisins, walnuts, avocados or chocolate.

Handling and safe storage

  • Keep your raw pet food frozen until it is required for use.
  • Use a dedicated container for storage of the product in the freezer. Ensuring to keep away from other food within the refrigerator or freezer.
  • Defrost frozen pet foods away from other food, food preparation areas and equipment.
  • Wash and disinfect all surfaces, dishes, and utensils used immediately after each use.
  • Keep your pets feeding area clean and disinfect as soon as your pet has finished eating. Throwing away any raw pet food that is not eaten as soon as reasonably practical.

Hygiene around Pet Food

  • Your hands should be washed with soap and hot water immediately after handling and preparing any raw pet food or treats.
  • Pet food and treats should be stored and defrosted away from where human food is stored and prepared.
  • Clean and disinfect all surfaces that the raw pet food has touched, such as microwaves, work surfaces, storage containers and utensils such as knives, forks and bowls.

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